This Horse Shows Up To Make Someone’s Birthday The Best It’s Been In Decades

Some people look at a horse and see a large animal with 4 hooves, a long neck, and mane. This is true. Though a horse can mean so much more to people who love and appreciate this amazing animal.

This is especially true for people who have been around horses their entire lives. To this type of person, it’s the sweet smell, the greetings of nickers, nuzzles to your chest, the look in that soulful deep eye that brings about joy. And this is before even climbing on board one of the noblest of steeds that God has ever made.

“It felt so good to be in the saddle. It felt like home.”

Elizabeth Geer, 97 knows horses. She described her recent birthday horse ride as “feeling like home.” Despite being encouraged by loved ones to not ride anymore because of her advanced age, Elizabeth celebrated her 97th birthday doing what she’s always loved. She went for a ride.

“I’m used to being on a horse every day. When I got old, people tried to get me to stop riding.” But this strong lady confidently mounted a 16 hand horse borrowed from a neighbor and went for a ride. “It felt so good to be in the saddle. It felt like home.”

I asked Elizabeth how she stays so fit. “If you don’t want to truly live, you will stagnate,” she explained. “I mow the lawn, use the wheelbarrow, paddle a canoe, and take care of my animals. If worse comes to worse, I clean the garage,” she continued.

She also has never had a cup of coffee in her entire life. Elizabeth gets a good night’s rest along with a daily nap and eats healthy. “I like red meat, chicken, turkey, and pork. I keep a little garden of tomatoes, beets, spinach, and carrots,” she explained.

While some people slow down at retirement age, Elizabeth keeps active by taking care of her farm animals. She has 2 cows, 1 calf, 1 pony and a new Doberman puppy that recently joined her family. She skillfully shovels all of the manure herself and enjoys the outdoor work.

As for the future, Elizabeth hasn’t let go of the idea of getting another horse. “My children are trying to keep a better eye on me. I keep threatening to get a horse,” she joked. Then in all seriousness changed her tone of voice and added, “If someone walked by with just the right horse for me, I’d take it.”

“To heck with perfection!”

Elizabeth is my brother’s neighbor in Pennsylvania and being a horse person myself, I wanted to honor her with this story. Without a moment’s hesitation, she responded, “To heck with perfection! I don’t need to read it first. I want to read what you wrote without changes. Send it on!” So here’s to you, Elizabeth Geer. I know your story will inspire many, as it has to me. I hope that you will continue to have many more happy trails in the days to come.